John Elway Opens Namesake Restaurant
by Tom Moxcey

John Elway Opens Namesake Restaurant in Denver-ELWAY'S Promises Prime Steaks, Seafood, New Nostalgic Desserts, Etc.

DENVER, Oct 21, 2004 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- John Elway officially adds restaurateur to his list of titles -- right after Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee, Winningest NFL Quarterback and Comeback Kid -- when his namesake restaurant, ELWAY'S, opens in Denver Friday.

More than 1500 people enjoyed sneak peek at ELWAY'S during pre-opening activities, which included several invitation-only parties and fundraising events for The Junior League of Denver and Creative Adoptions.

Elway has partnered with longtime Colorado restaurateur Tim Schmidt, owner of Colorado Restaurant Management, which operates two Hacienda Colorado locations and recently sold 16 Black Eyed Pea restaurants. Tom Moxcey, a veteran of Cork 'N Cleaver, Chart House, Village Inn, and the Rock Bottom Restaurant Group will manage ELWAY'S, working closely with Executive Chef Charles Schwerd, formerly of Arizona-based Mastro's Group where he led culinary efforts for Drinkwater's City Hall Steakhouse and the Mastro's locations in Beverly Hills and Scottsdale.

Specialties such as Japanese Tuna Stack, Bone-in Sword Fish Chop, Prime Tenderloin and Lazy Lobster highlight a menu that includes an impressive mixture of U.S.D.A. hand-cut Prime steaks and seafood, delicious vegetables such as sauteed asparagus, sauteed steak mushrooms and creamed corn, and new nostalgic desserts such as ELWAY'S own version of the Ding Dong, s'mores and warm cookies and milk. ELWAY'S also has an extensive, yet reasonably priced wine list.

Designed by Chicago-based Aria Group Architects, known for some of Chicago's most popular dining locales including the original Maggiano's, ELWAY'S has a bright interior with copper accents and a warm, earthy color scheme, including a granite waterfall just inside the entrance and an inviting patio. Set in the heart of Denver's Cherry Creek North neighborhood -- known for high-end dining, shopping and business dealings -- ELWAY'S still offers easy access and plenty of free parking.

"It's the perfect spot for special occasions, business meetings, gathering with friends, or just enjoying great food and drinks," notes Elway. "We'll also mix in live music and other special events to add to the fun."

Even setting down a drink highlights the special ELWAY'S touch as guests view notable photos of John Elway on limited-edition coasters.

Located at 2500 East First Avenue, ELWAY'S seats nearly 300, including three areas available for private dining, and has an additional 60 patio seats. ELWAY'S is also wired to accommodate audio/visual needs for special meetings, presentations, events, and other occasions. Patrons can sign up for an e-newsletter at www.elways.com to stay current with special menu offerings, the latest music lineup and information about special events, such as food and wine tastings. For more information, call 303.399.5353 or visit www.elways.com.